Although it was the tallest building in the world for 40 long years (from 1931 to 1971), the Empire State Building now sits at the 43rd spot, well behind the vertiginous height of Burj Khalifa in Dubai. But while it does not hold any height records any longer, it remains the most famous skyscraper in the world and an iconic sight of the New York City skyline.
The Empire State Building is located in New York City, specifically in Midtown Manhattan at the intersection of Fifth Avenue and West 34th Street. The exact address is 20 W 34th St., New York, NY 10001, United States.
The Empire State Building is 1,250 feet tall (380 meters). In comparison, the tallest building in the world, Burj Khalifa, is 2716 feet tall (828 meters).
There are 103 floors/stories in the building, but regular visitors can only go as high as the 102nd floor. Only VIPs have access to floor 103.
Photo: STUDIO MELANGE/Shutterstock
There are 1,872 steps to get to the 102 floor.
There are 73 elevators in the building.
The construction of the Empire State Building started on March 17, 1930, and the building officially opened on May 1, 1931. It took only one year and 45 days to build the skyscraper.
Official figures report that five workers died during the construction of the building. However, since its opening in 1931, over 30 people have leapt to their death from the Empire State Building.
Empire State Reality Trust, a real estate investment company, owns the building.
Yes, the building has its own ZIP code: 10118.
The Empire State Building is mostly hosting offices, including those of LinkedIn, Shutterstock, and more. There are also shops, restaurants, and cafés for visitors, such as Starbucks, Chipotle, and Wallgreens, among others.
There are exhibits on the second and 80th floors meant for visitors to learn about the history of the building. There are observatories on the 86th and 102nd floors.
No, the building is not residential and nobody lives in it.
Photo: Javen/Shutterstock
The top part of the building is illuminated in different colors several nights per month since 1976 to celebrate holidays, events, and organizations. Check out the tower lights calendar to know when the building changes color and why.
Visitors can go to the 102nd floor of the Empire State Building. There are 103 floors, but the top one is reserved for VIPs.
No, it is not free to visit the Empire State Building. There is an admission fee to get access to the observation decks on the 86th and 102nd floors. The fee varies depending on factors such as age and whether you want to skip lines.
Photo: andersphoto/Shutterstock
Ticket reservations are mandatory to access the Empire State Building. Book online in advance.
There are several tickets available, all of them valid for a 45-minute visit:
There are also tickets with guided tours included, tickets that allow you to visit both during the day and at night, tickets with VIP treatment, etc.
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The Langham is a five-star hotel that’s just a four-minute walk to the world’s most famous skyscraper. The decor in this luxury property is elegant, chic, and modern, making for a comfortable and relaxing stay. There is a gym on site, as well as a bar and a restaurant. Some of the suites have striking views of the Empire State Building. A free breakfast is served daily.
Only 11 minutes on foot from the Empire State Building and next door to Madison Squark Park and the Flatiron Building,The New York Edition is a luxury property that’s ideal for visitors who want to be in the heart of the action. The 1909 building in which the hotel is set up is a stunning clocktower that hosts 271 elegant guest rooms and suites, a spa, several bars, and a restaurant, all of which have amazing skyline views.
The Martinique New York on Broadway is a sophisticated hotel at an affordable price — and it’s only four minutes on foot from the Empire State Building. The Art Deco decor will transport you to another era and adds a touch of unique chic to this beautiful property. There is a gym and a restaurant on site. 
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